Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. SSI is designed to help these individuals meet their basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter.

While SSI is an important source of income for many individuals, it is also subject to certain rules and regulations that can affect an individual's eligibility for benefits. One of these rules is how marriage can affect an individual's eligibility for SSI.

If an individual is married and receiving SSI benefits, their spouse's income and resources may be considered when determining the individual's eligibility for benefits. This is known as "deeming." Under the deeming rules, a portion of the spouse's income and resources is considered to be available to the individual receiving SSI benefits.

For example, if an individual receiving SSI benefits is married to a spouse who is employed and earning a salary, a portion of the spouse's income may be deemed to be available to the individual receiving SSI benefits. This could potentially affect the individual's eligibility for SSI benefits or the amount of the benefits they receive.

It is important to note that only the income and resources of a spouse who is living with the individual receiving SSI benefits are considered under the deeming rules. If the spouse is not living with the individual, their income and resources are not considered.

In addition to the deeming rules, there are also limits on the amount of income and resources that an individual can have in order to be eligible for SSI benefits. These limits vary depending on the individual's living situation and whether they are receiving any other forms of income or assistance.

For example, if an individual is married and living with their spouse, the income and resource limits are higher than if the individual is single or living alone. This is because the spouse's income and resources are also taken into account when determining the individual's eligibility for SSI benefits.

It is also important to note that certain types of income and resources are not counted when determining an individual's eligibility for SSI benefits. These include the individual's primary residence, certain personal property, and certain types of income, such as certain types of social security benefits and most forms of public assistance.

In addition to the income and resource limits, there are also limits on the amount of SSI benefits that an individual can receive. These limits are based on the individual's living situation and may be adjusted annually to account for changes in the cost of living.

If an individual is married and receiving SSI benefits, their spouse's income and resources may also affect the amount of the benefits they receive. Under the deeming rules, a portion of the spouse's income is considered to be available to the individual receiving SSI benefits, and this could potentially reduce the amount of the benefits they receive.

It is important to note that the rules and regulations governing SSI benefits can be complex and may change over time. If an individual is married and receiving SSI benefits, it is recommended that they consult with a qualified disability attorney to understand how their spouse's income and resources may affect their eligibility for benefits and the amount of the benefits they receive.

In summary, marriage can affect an individual's eligibility for and the amount of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits they receive. Under the deeming rules, a portion of a spouse's income and resources may be considered to be available to the individual receiving SSI benefits, and this could potentially affect the individual's eligibility for benefits or the amount of the benefits they receive. There are also limits on the amount of income and resources that an individual can have in order to be eligible for SSI benefits.